President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on July 7 received Adebayo Ogunlesi, a member of the board of directors and senior managing director of BlackRock, one of the world's largest investment companies. The meeting focused on strengthening strategic partnership, primarily in the fuel and energy sector.
The sides noted with satisfaction the active implementation of BlackRock's projects in Uzbekistan. President Mirziyoyev outlined priority areas for cooperation: expanding privatization partnerships, enhancing the country's investment attractiveness, developing the financial market, advancing petrochemical projects, and joint investments in artificial intelligence technologies.
BlackRock is a global leader in asset and fund management. According to the presidential press service, by 2026 the company's assets under management will reach $14 trillion, underscoring its immense influence on global finance.
In an interview with Uzbekistan 24 TV channel, Ogunlesi described the meeting as "productive and meaningful." He said the sides reviewed a gas-to-liquids project and discussed the establishment of the Tashkent International Financial Center.
Additionally, promising plans for investments in artificial intelligence, data processing centers, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production were considered. Ogunlesi called Uzbekistan "a very attractive country for investments" and noted that over 200 US companies participated in the recent Tashkent International Investment Forum.
"We see Uzbekistan as one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Asia, a gateway to the region, and an important bridge between East and West," he said. Agreements were reached on "four or five important areas," with plans for consistent implementation.
In September last year, President Mirziyoyev had already held talks with Ogunlesi, supporting the creation of a joint fund and projects in energy, transport, and water infrastructure. Also, during a visit to the US, an agreement was reached to launch a SAF production project with Vision Invest (Saudi Arabia) and Air Products (US) for the new Tashkent International Airport.
Source: www.gazeta.uz